Question C

[Jonetta]

The supposition was that Big John Manydeeds, who’d had a problem with alcohol, had lapsed after many, many years and killed himself because he was despondent. Even though there was evidence of drinking in his system and lots of whiskey bottles on his premises, no one other than the bartender had seen him drinking. Did it create doubts in your mind? Were you thinking about the evidence as ways to confirm it was a suicide or letting the evidence lead you to a conclusion?

[Phrynne]

I had lots of doubts. It was so unlikely that no one had seen him drinking and here are always ways to introduce alcohol into a person against their will.

[Jonetta]

This man was respected by so many people. When an alcoholic has this supposed serious relapse, the people close to him will know. The fact that they didn’t made me suspicious. I let the evidence lead me. And who leaves that many bottles laying around, especially if you’re trying to hide your drinking? Why would he be heavily drinking at the Crooked Pine bar and that not get around?

[Jo Ann]

Lots of doubts, for sure. Too many things weren't adding up.